Cork South Central T.D. Michael McGrath has welcomed the confirmation from the Department of Transport that the funding is in place for the Bandon road and Sarsfield road flyovers to proceed in 2011.

The estimated value of the contract is in the region of €160 million.

Deputy McGrath has been lobbying the NRA and Minister Noel Dempsey for some time to ensure the construction of the two interchanges goes ahead. The National Recovery Plan confirms the capital budget for the Department of Transport for the 2011-2014 period and the Department has now listed the interchanges on the Southern Ring Road network as going ahead in 2011.

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Deputy McGrath said: "I am delighted we have confirmation now that the funding is in place for the two interchanges to proceed in 2011. This is a tremendous and timely boost for Cork. The NRA went to tender for the construction of the two interchanges last April and will now be in a position to appoint a contractor to enable work to commence.

"These two interchanges will also make daily life so much easier for thousands of Cork commuters and will provide a real economic boost to the region. Once these new interchanges are completed, the South Ring Road will be a critical piece of infrastructure and will be an important asset for the region. I have no doubt but that the investment in these interchanges will pay a rich economic dividend for Cork in the years ahead.

"I understand that the construction phase will take approx. 18 months to complete and I am now looking forward to seeing progress on the ground in the near future."

(CD)